Just the words “heart disease” can be frightening, but there are numerous fallacies around this phrase and it is simple to be misled by misconceptions. Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, accounting for 17.9 million deaths each year. Even after a cardiac problem has been diagnosed, your health can be improved with the right information and prompt action.
Everyone should be aware of the prevalent myths in order to prevent unwarranted panic on the one hand and timely detection and treatment of heart disease on the other. Relying on wrong assumptions can be harmful to your heart, therefore everyone should be aware of them.
Here are myths that are addressed related to heart disease
Myth 1: I’m too young to have cardiovascular disease.
Your future risk of developing heart disease depends on how you live today. In the arteries, plaque begins to build up as early as childhood. Therefore, poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can cause heart problems in even young people, especially given that obesity and diabetes are becoming more prevalent in people of this age. Avoiding meals that are processed or packaged, foods high in saturated fats or sweets, and engaging in at least an hour of physical activity each day can all help.
MYTH 2: Since heart disease runs in my family, I have little control over its development.
You are at a higher risk if your family history is known. But by being aware of this, you may take specific precautions to reduce the hazards. Get some exercise, eat well, keep your weight in check, give up smoking, and keep an eye on your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
MYTH 3: If I had high blood pressure, I would know because I would experience symptoms.
There’s a reason why it’s nicknamed the “silent killer.” Even if you have extremely high blood pressure, you might not notice any signs until the damage has already been done. It can result in heart attack, stroke, and renal damage if left untreated. It is crucial to regularly monitor blood pressure.
MYTH 4: Chest pain will let me know when I’m having a heart attack.
Although chest pain is a common symptom, you can also have a wide range of other symptoms, including pain in your arms, jaw, neck, or back, difficulty breathing, an irregular heartbeat, nausea, and lightheadedness. These initial symptoms are typically brought on by exertion and go away with rest, making them simple to detect or disregard. You won’t feel symptoms at rest until the condition has advanced.
MYTH 5: Because I’m so elderly, seeking treatment is useless.
Regardless of your age, the success of treatment for this disease of the elderly depends on how quickly you visit the doctor. The secret is to receive therapy on time. The longer you wait, the worse the outcomes and the more advanced the condition.